Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  Durable, Strong-Running Chevy - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Happy Corsica Owner - August 21 - 1:44 pm

  Ive owned my Chevy for almost a year and a half and have had no major problems. The only issue I really had was replacement of water pump and starter. They were a little expensive to replace-but worth it. I keep my oil and filter changed every 3 mos/3,000 miles and besides new front brakes, thats really all it needs. Just keep up with the regular routine maintenance (belts, hoses, tires and brakes) and itll run forever! Ive replaced battery, waterpump, starter, serpentine belt and a rear wheel cylinder. I couldnt be happier with my car. Gas mileage is excellent around town and on the highway. For a 4 cylinder (2.2), its got plenty of power! I highly recommend this car!!

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  One great and fun car - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kd215 - August 21 - 1:23 pm

  Have had the Corvette a short time but can truly say it is one of the best cars I have owned. Very agile handling,power when you need it and very comfortable car. The ride is very smooth even though it is a sports car but it can handle the curves like it is on rails. If you want a sports car that can be used everyday this is the one or keep it as a weekend car. The fit and finish is very good. All gauges are at hand with no reaching. With the large back window and excellent mirrors visibility is very good. This car is a keeper.

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  Good truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By comeangetit - August 21 - 8:26 am

  My expierience with this truck is outstanding. It is powerful enough to get around in deep snow. It has plenty of room inside and it rides like a dream. I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  Nice first car - 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Jason Bloom - August 20 - 8:35 pm

  I am 17 and I got this car as my first car. I got it with 175,000 miles on it. I drive it around 100 miles a day (M- F), mostly highway. I have had to replace the struts, spark plugs, plug wires. I have also replaced the radio. The car rides well. It is a little loud because of the mileage on the drivetrain, but other than that it rides fine. The seats are really comfortable. The gas mileage could be a little better, only about 25mpg. Reliable. Just now, at 180,000 miles, having a major problem with drivability. My trunk leaks. The car also shifts really rough. Other than that, no real problems. Overall, my Lumina is a good first car.

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  OK car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Shawn - August 19 - 11:23 pm

  I have had my Monte Carlo for almost two years. Pretty good overall car. Its very reliable and I havent had too many problems with it. However, the gas mileage is terrible in the city, I average about 18 mpg, much better on the road though. The hinge on the glove compartment broke, and braking in the rain was bad until I had the front fender liners trimmed. Overall I have been happy with the performance, never lost a race with any high-schoolers at stop lights with their Civics and Eclipses!

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  My Colorado 4cyl - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By hta - August 19 - 4:33 pm

  I drove an 96 s10 for 10 years almost 300,000 miles it was a better truck. The Colorado is a litle bigger. Less gas mileage. No way it gets 27-35 highway. There is no armrest What engineer builds a 5 speed truck with no armrest? 2 Cheap General tires went at 15000 miles? I got the truck at 13500 +ttl. Its efficient but I dont know as much as my S10. The body panels are made really thin and theres not much cab space. It is a slow slug. It only moves when the pedal is to the floor hence the gas mileage

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  Nice car - 1995 Chevrolet Beretta
  By bigdan3 - August 19 - 3:29 pm

  I have worked on cars for 35 yrs now, and this is a well built ride. My z26 has 181,895 miles on it and i plan on getting a lot more out of it. it still looks new and drives like new. 30mpg not too bad.

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  It is what it is. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By defenbaugh - August 19 - 1:32 pm

  The retro design is appealing to this old man with desires formed in the 1960s. The 2400 engine is amazingly responsive. The transmission has a lot to do with the responsiveness. Both are smooth without the power mower sound. The entry and seating are suitable for this arthritic. We use it for short runs and errands. For journies longer than a few hundred miles, the crampedness and the small drivers legroom would become cumbersome. With 20,000 miles we had to have the rotors turned as it shimmied violently at high speed braking. I understand this has been a problem with other owners. We will see how this plays out. Being rural it is nice to have nearby GM service.

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  Am in in my Lexus IS 250? - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Vette777 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Got this baby for a couple of reasons, but the primary would be MPG. It is averaging 31+ in the city to date. No highway miles yet, but I am thinking with 31 city, I should be getting 40+. What a car! You really have to drive one to really appreciate what GM has done in the quality field. Shes quiet, comfortable, handles great with the electric power assist steering, and feels NOTHING like the cars in its class. We got the Metallic Red and Titanium interior, 250 watt Pioneer, automatic, which, by the way is SIX speed, and I have to tell you I really cannot believe we only spent $21k! Toyota & Honda really should beware.

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  Love My Baby - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By ajia1999 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I just love this car. My friends are all envious, suspension and noise control in the cabin make you feel like you are in a luxury car. The exterior design is sleek and catches peoples eye. I caught a guy checking out my black LT2 cruze with envy.